By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
Step1
Prepare a list of questions, making sure you have more than you think you'll need. Consider prioritizing them.
Step2
Find a quiet place to talk if the interview is face to face.
Step3
Turn off your phone or ask not to be interrupted for the duration of the interview.
Step4
Set up a small tape recorder very close to the subject and ask permission to record the conversation.
Step5
Carefully observe and make notes about the surroundings and anything unusual about the subject's appearance or behavior.
Step6
Start off with small talk to loosen up the subject; most people aren't accustomed to talking to strangers.
Step7
Ask direct questions. If the subject starts to go off on a tangent, gently remind him or her of the question at hand.
Step8
Take diligent notes until the very end.
Step9
Pay special attention to actions or words spoken on the way out, or after the tape recorder has been turned off. The best information and quotes often come after the interview has formally ended.
Step10
Always speak with another person who may have a different opinion about the topic.